Scrappy Potholder

Is it a common sewing problem to have a large bag of scraps just sitting around, or is that just me? I've been trying to find projects to use up some of these scraps, so if you have any ideas, please comment! I really liked how this potholder turned out, the fabrics are so pretty. It was easy to make, and probably took me under an hour to put together. It would've taken less time, but I had bobbin problems so it was slow going.

Hopefully this post inspires you to make a colorful potholder of your own! This would be a great beginner sewing project if you are just starting out, or a quick gratification project for someone more experienced.

For a full video tutorial on how to make this potholder, visit: https://youtu.be/ax1tBnWUlQM

Materials:

• Scrap fabric (if you want to use whole fabric, about 3/4 yard should be enough)

• Batting (I used two layers, but one would be fine)

• Bias tape or binding (about 30 inches)

  • If you don't have bias tape or binding, it would also be possible to sew the edges inside out, then flip it so the raw edges stay inside the potholder.

• Basic sewing supplies (scissors, seam ripper, thread, etc.)

Instructions:

Begin sewing your fabric scraps together. It helps if you layout how you want them to look before you start sewing. Piece them together the same as you would with any other patchwork project.

Using a small lampshade (or other rounded object) trace a circle onto your sewn-together fabric scraps (I did a circle with about a 9 inch diameter). If your fabric piece isn't big enough yet, keep adding scraps!

Repeat these steps for the backside of your potholder, making sure to cut it the same size as your first piece.

Trace and cut the batting to a circle as well. Make sure it is the same size as your other circles.

Pin or clip all layers of the potholder together, with the batting in the middle. Sew lines across the length of the fabric sandwich. This is the quilting step. I made my lines go in random directions, but you could sew in a pattern if you wanted, or stitch in the ditch.

Once your potholder has been thoroughly quilted, pin the bias tape down onto the edge of the fabric. Sew one side of the bias tape down, then fold over and sew the other side to finish. Leave a little extra if you want to make a loop to hang the potholder. Fold your loop so it looks the way you want it, then sew it in place to secure it.